4 reasons to cancel the office Christmas party

The office Christmas party has long been a feature of modern work, but is it time to put it to pasture? Here are four reasons why the answer might be yes.

The Christmas party was once known as a time to celebrate the end of the year and reward staff for all their hard work and success. But the times, they are a changin’. Should you just call the whole thing off? Here are four things to consider:

1. Employees are over it

Are there other ways to mark the occasion besides dodgy canapés and copious amounts of booze? Lots of employees think so.

A recent US study conducted by Randstad found that over two thirds (75 per cent) of respondents consider philanthropy and charity to be the top priority. Many just want a bit of cheer in the office and for their colleagues to be a bit more amicable (54 per cent and 41 per cent respectively).

Perhaps we should cut the indulgence and do something different. HRM previously discussed how workplace giving can increase engagement while doing something positive for the community.

Beyond the boardroom is a program designed by beyondBlue as a team building activity. Some of the options include helping the homeless sell the Big Issue for a half day or building bikes and cubby houses that are donated to a charity. A good way to embody the Christmas spirit and strengthen engagement.

2. It’s expensive

Christmas parties can be costly, and is it really money well-spent? Almost all (90 percent) of the employees surveyed in the Randstad research would prefer that the money used to fund the annual Christmas do was funneled into a bonus payment or extra time off. Eventbrite’s Aussie Workplace Christmas Party Index found the average local business will spend around $10,000 on their 2017 Christmas parties, and one in six plan to spend between $10,000 to $100,000.

That’s a lot of money. Why not have a potluck lunch instead, as suggested by The Balance. Asking each employee to bring a dish, particularly a traditional dish from their country’s cuisine, is a great way to both save money and demonstrate inclusiveness.

3. #metoo

The Weinstein effect, or the Burke effect if you prefer, has put a damper on the festive mood. It no longer seems like a good idea to put the moves on Jenny from accounting after a little liquid courage (not that it ever was).

Suddenly, and unfortunately, Mike Pence is looking like a role model for many a confused man. According to the New York Times, some are beginning to think that avoiding private interactions with women is the answer. While that’s obviously the wrong attitude, could the office Christmas party turn into school dances, with men on one side of the room and women on the other?

Employers are likely to also be on high alert, especially when alcohol is in the mix. As previously reported in HRM, employer “policies, practices and procedures” will be under the microscope if action is taken against an employee for bad behaviour while under the influence.

Some ways to protect yourself prior to the event include:

Remind staff about the standards of behaviour expected at a company event.

Training marshalls to be on the lookout for any inappropriate behaviour, and how to diffuse the situation.

Reviewing company policies that relate to sexual harassment, alcohol and drugs to ensure nothing comes back to bite you should disciplinary action be required.

4. HR has better things to do

It may still be a given in many organisations, and quite a few might enjoy the responsibility, but HR really has better things to do with its time.

As a reader recently commented on an HRM opinion piece about how HR is not for “nice” people:

“Within this [the idea of not always being nice] lies the responsibility to say “no”, to push accountability back to where it belongs and for HR to stand firm in the work that matters. Anyone can organise a Christmas party or year-end celebration – it doesn’t need to be HR.”

Couldn’t disagree more with this article? Read our rejoinder, about reasons why you should absolutely have a Christmas party.

I think you’re spot on with the comment “HR has better things to do with its time”…. … one of those things would be enjoying the Christmas party like any other employee. HR are not the police, much as your article would suggest that they are. As for “training marshalls”, surely you have written that tongue firmly planted in cheek. It’s almost inconceivable that it could be written otherwise. How about, as David suggested, the HR you refer to extrapolates the time devoted to worrying about the Christmas party, spreads it over the course of the year, builds an engaged… Read more »

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1 year ago

Guest

N

I think the issue with work related end of year parties is that by law it is treated as part of the workplace. I believe the answer would be to have it somewhere off site and to pass a law saying everyone is responsible for themselves. Like we are every other moment of our lives. Everything is over policed now and no one takes responsibility for themselves. If the party could just be considered a social gathering than a work function the world would be better off. It’s getting to the point where if someone trips over their own feet… Read more »

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1 year ago

Guest

Sal

I’d be interested in seeing a similar survey done in Australia where our culture is known for having a drink or two, especially when it’s free. I’m sure there are many Australian employees who’d be upset if they were told the Christmas party is canceled to go build houses (there are plenty of other opportunities throughout the year for charity work). I’ve been to a few Christmas parties over the years and haven’t seen anyone be disciplined for inappropriate behaviour (I know that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not happening), but if you show trust and respect for your employees,… Read more »

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1 year ago

Guest

Martin Elliott

I’m not quite sure where to start after reading this unfortunate article. My doubts began upon reading the words ‘a recent US study’ on “American employees” (a valid study on Australian employees may have carried some credibility). This article is clearly based on companies that don’t manage their finances, have low engagement and a toxic work environment devoid of cohesion and respect for one another and possibly from personal experience? I can categorically state (based on many years of current experience) that organisations that are underpinned by a culture of respect for one another driven by entrenched values actually welcome… Read more »